Basic Push-Hands Exercise
Basic Push-Hands Exercise for Peng-Lu-Ji-An
- Person A takes a left bow stance facing person B who is also in a left bow stance. A places his right hand on B’s shoulder and left hand under B’s right elbow. B will mirror A’s position.
- B pushes slowly upward (peng) on A’s elbow and shoulder.
- A responds to B’s energy by moving his right hip backward (lu).
- Return to starting position
- B repeats his push and A responds by moving his hips forward (ji) without turning left or right.
- Return to starting position
- B repeats his push and A responds by moving his sacrum downward (an).
- Return to starting position
- B repeats his push and A responds by lifting his sacrum upward (peng).
- Return to starting position, reverse roles and repeat the exercise.
By working this exercise slowly it is possible for each player to feel which response is the most effective. To be the most effective the response would have to give the individual the best opportunity to maintain his balance and counter question.
Repeat for exercises two, three and four by substituting pull backward (lu), press straight forward (ji) and press or push downward (an) for the initial energy given.